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amyl nitrite - Chemistry, Physiological effects

(C5H11NO2) A drug in the form of a volatile liquid, administered by inhalation, which acts very rapidly and very briefly. It has some use in the treatment of angina but is also sold as a sex aid (‘poppers’). It is also used in the emergency treatment of cyanide poisoning.

IUPAC name:

3-methyl-1-nitrosooxybutane

CAS number
463-04-7
ATC code
V03AB22
Chemical formula C5H11NO2
Molecular weight 117.15 g/mol
Bioavailability  ?
Metabolism  ?
Elimination half life  ?
Excretion  ?
Pregnancy category  ?
Legal status Schedule VI
Delivery  ?

The chemical compound amyl nitrite (here referring to isoamyl nitrite) is an alkyl nitrite.

Chemistry

Isoamyl nitrite is a clear liquid of specific gravity 0.872, boiling at about 95 to 96 degrees Celsius. It is prepared by passing nitrous fumes (from starch and concentrated nitric acid) into warm isoamyl alcohol, or by distilling a mixture of 26 parts of potassium nitrite in 15 parts of water with 30 parts of isoamyl alcohol in 30 parts of sulfuric acid.

Physiological effects

Amyl nitrite, along with other alkyl nitrites, is a potent vasodilator that functions in-situ via the nitric oxide pathway.

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